Student Protection Screen

ABSTRACT

A student protection mechanism comprises a shield having three panes of materials in association together. A central pane is attached to two wings one on the right side thereof and one on the left side thereof. The attachment is rotationally effected by either of material flexibility, a strip of material acting as a connector.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices facilitating the protection of students on school grounds; more particularly, the present invention relates to a Protection Screen that blocks students from receiving impacts from airborne bacteria or viruses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The global virus emergency has changed the landscape of how individuals work, play, vacation and attend educational institutions. Telecommuting has become an option for many; however, it is difficult to imagine that students can continue to perform well if they do not interact daily with others of their own age bracket and involve teachers that fulfill the requirements of a daily learning program. Something is lost without the daily rhythm between students and teachers personally working together in a learning environment; but the infectious emergency makes classroom gatherings problematic as ejected microscopic bacteria and viruses can be passed about the room without some protection between students and between students and others in the classroom.

Some solutions to this problem have been offered by others. One particular concept involves placing a U shaped piece of transparent glass or plastic atop a desk so that it might sit in front of a student. Thus, the student is protected from materials from the front or on either side of the student as desks are linearly disposed as usual or in a staggered configuration so that the next student to the right or left is set more to the front or back of the classroom and so forth. However, this solution suffers as it is not easily portable nor storable as it is a single piece of rigid material.

Another solution involves the use of three planar pieces of transparent plastic that are united in to a unitary device through the use of triangular protrusions attached together using the corresponding narrow necks thereof. Two of the planar pieces are attached one to a first end of the central planar piece and another to an opposite end of the central planar piece; these two external pieces can be considered wings of the central planar piece. The wings each have a triangular protrusions on one end emanating from and integrally formed with the specific planar piece. The central planar piece has triangular protrusions on a first end and a second end opposite the first end thereof. Thus, the triangular protrusions of the first end of the central planar piece is attached with the triangular planar protrusion of the first wing; similarly, the triangular protrusions of the second end of the central planar piece is attached with the triangular planar protrusion of the second wing.

However, this solution suffers in that it is not easy to assembly nor clean as the infection materials can persist in areas that are not easy to clean such as the necks of the devices. Additionally, the large triangular protrusions are difficult to store away as they extend beyond the planar material and are apt to engage purses, hair, backpacks, book bags, paper and other such common items found in school settings.

Accordingly, there is a need for a solution that is easily portable, cleanable, and storable that avoids all the problems found in the prior described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A student protection screen comprising:

a first pane attached to:

a second pane;

wherein the first pane is also attached to a third pane; and

wherein the second pane is rotationally movable with respect to the first pane.

-   In another aspect, wherein the first pane is also attached to the     third pane further comprises:

wherein the third pane is rotationally movable with respect to the first pane.

-   In another aspect, wherein the first pane attached to the second     pane further comprises:

attachment through integral formation out of the same piece of material.

-   In another aspect, wherein the first pane attached to the second     pane further comprises:

attachment through a separate connector attaching the first pane to the second pane.

-   In another aspect, wherein the first pane attached to the third pane     further comprises:

attachment through integral formation out of the same piece of material.

-   In another aspect, wherein the first pane attached to the third pane     further comprises:

attachment through a separate connector attaching the first pane to the third pane.

-   In another aspect, further comprising:

a bottom edge of the center pane having an attachment material attached thereto.

-   In another aspect, further comprising:

a bottom edge of the right pane having an attachment material attached thereto.

-   In another aspect, further comprising:

a bottom edge of the left pane having an attachment material attached thereto.

-   In another aspect, further comprising:

an attachment material from a group of attachment materials of: a suction cup, a nanotech suction material strip.

-   In another aspect, further comprising:

a connector between the first and second panes thereby attaching them together.

-   In another aspect, further comprising:

a connector between the first and third panes thereby attaching them together.

A student protection shield comprising:

a center pane connected to both a right pane and a left pane forming a U shaped pattern such that the center pane is located in the center of the U shaped pattern; and

wherein the right pane rotates in relationship with a right side of the center pane; and

wherein the left pane rotates in relationship with a left side of the center pane.

-   In another aspect, further comprising:

a first strip of flexible material attaching the right pane to the center pane;

and a second strip of flexible material attaching the left pane to the center pane.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 presents a front view of a Student Protection Screen in an embodiment described herein.

FIG. 2A presents a front view of a Student Protection Screen in a first alternative embodiment described herein.

FIG. 2B presents a closeup of a joint between two planar portions of a Student Protection Screen in the first alternative embodiment described herein.

FIG. 3A presents a top view of a portion of a Student Protection Screen in a second embodiment described herein.

FIG. 3B presents a closeup top view of an engagement between first and second wings of a Student Protection Screen in the second embodiment described herein.

FIG. 3C presents an assembly view of a central pane with two wings of a Student Protection Screen in the second embodiment described herein.

FIG. 4A presents a perspective view of a linear holder for the Student Protection Screen in an embodiment described herein.

FIG. 4B presents a top view of a ninety degree holder for the Student Protection Screen in an embodiment described herein.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in each figure.

Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

FIG. 1 presents a front view of a Student Protection Screen in an embodiment described herein. The words Student Protection Screen, Protection Screen, Screen or Shield or variations thereof refer to the same item throughout the specification and claims. The shield shown has a group of three pieces of materials (left pane 2, center pane 3 and right pane 2) connected together by heat treatment, adhesive, glue, double sided adhesive or integrally formed from a single piece of material that has been bent at two locations 4 so as to create three sections.

Each of the panes shown herein has a broad front surface and a corresponding back surface integrally formed together as one unit bordered by a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge and a right edge. The Left pane's connecting edge would be its right edge and the right pane's connecting edge would be its left edge whilst the center pane has two connecting edges: a left connecting edge to attach to or integrally formed from the right edge of the left pane; and a right connecting edge to attach to or integrally formed from the left edge of the right pane.

Most generally, a shield permits the motion of each of the two extreme portions about the center pane of material 3. In other words, a user can move the left pane 2 and the right pane 2 about the respective connection edges 4. Thus, the connection 4 between the left pane 2 and the center pane of material as well as the connection 4 between the right pane 2 and the center pane permit rotation thereabout; thus, the connection point 4 forms an axis so to speak, for the two opposing extreme portions that form wings on either side of the center pane of material 4.

The material composition of the pieces 2, 3 are preferably transparent or semi-transparent plastics, polymer, plexiglass or glasses; this in order to facilitate the educational experience for the student thereby not interfering in the association with other students or teaching staff. However, other materials are possible even cardboard pieces that have been bent to facilitate this motion along axis 4.

The left and right panes 2 have bottom edges 2A and the center pane of material 3 has a bottom edge 3A that are suitable for application of different types of suction material. These suction materials facilitate the attachment of the shield to the student desk thereby rendering it immobile. Various types of suction material exist which are readily utilized such as a suction cup attached thereto with glue or other attachment mechanism; a double sided adhesive strip having the suction cup(s) attached on one side and the other side to a bottom edge of a pane (a first adhesive side is applied to the edges 2A, 3A); or a nano-suction material such as dual sided Stick UM® strip affixed to the edge 2A, 3A or similar modalities.

FIG. 2A presents a front view of a Student Protection Screen in a first alternative embodiment described herein. This embodiment continues the embodiment described above except it changes the mechanism by which the different panes of material are attached together. Here a rectangular connector is added as a separate piece of material between the first pane and the center pane as well as the center pane and the opposing second pane. The connector 5 is made from a flexible plastic, polymer or similar material and is attached using a double sided adhesive strip between the aforementioned respective panes, using glues, using heat treatment or similar modes of attachment. Because of its flexibility the corresponding connectors 5 permit motion about its body acting as an axis of rotation between the center pane 3 and the two panes or ‘wings’ 2 operating in separate motions about the respective 5.

FIG. 2B presents a closeup of a joint between two planar portions of a Student Protection Screen in the first alternative embodiment described herein. The rectangular connectors 5 are attachable to the front surface of the center pane and the front surface of the corresponding pane 2, between the edges thereof, or between the back surfaces thereof. Other connections alternatively include between the front surface of one pane and the back surface of another, between an edge of a pane and the back surface of another or between the edge of a pane and the front surface of another pane. The drawing shows an edge to edge connection made between the corresponding edges between the right pane and the center pane (and could also show the left pane and the center pane if 2 and 3 are interchanged).

FIG. 3A presents a top view of a portion of a Student Protection Screen in a second embodiment described herein. This embodiment does not permit the rotational motion about an axis. Here a connector is formed from a protrusion 7 on a first pane into a depression 6 (of a center pane) at the top of the figure formed on the face of the center pane. The bottom of the figure shows another depression 6 in the center pane which receives another protrusion 7 (not shown) from another pane thereby rigidly attaching them together. Of course, a multiplicity of protrusions 7 between the connecting edge of the first pane and respective depressions 6 on the face of the center pane (middle in the figure), and the connecting edge of the bottom pane (not shown) and respective depressions 6 on the bottom side of the center pane are modifications that strengthen the connection there between.

FIG. 3B presents a closeup top view of an engagement between a first and center pane (or wing) of a Student Protection Screen in the second embodiment described herein. Here are rounded protrusion 7 is shown on a first pane (or wing) which is to be inserted in a rounded depression 6 in the center pane.

FIG. 3C presents an assembly view of a central pane with two side panes or ‘wings’ of a Student Protection Screen in the second embodiment described herein. There are two protrusions integrally formed on an edge of each of the two side panes or ‘wings.’ These are to be inserted within corresponding depressions in the face of the center pane.

FIG. 4A presents a perspective view of a linear holder for the Student Protection Screen in an embodiment described herein. A linear holder 12 has a base 14 formed from a slab of plastic, plexiglass, polymer, metal or other material. It has two integrally formed raised parallel protrusions that jut upwards therefrom forming a linear cavity 15 there between. The bottom of the center pane, right pane or left pane is inserted within a holder 12 cavity 15 formed by the two raised rectangular protrusions 13 thereby facilitating the stability of the piece.

FIG. 4B presents a top view of a ninety degree holder for the Student Protection Screen in an embodiment described herein. This type of holder 16 is useable at the attachment connection points between the center pane and the left pane or the center pane and the right pane. These ninety degree edges between the two corresponding panes are inserted within the cavity 19 formed by the raised protrusions 18 that extend upwards out of the integrally formed base 17 shaped at a right angle. Of course the holder 16 and the protrusions thereon and resultant cavity there between can be shaped at any desired angle to facilitate various types of usages.

The height of the panes or wings is typically 1 foot; the length of the right and left panes is typically 15 inches and the center pane is typically 22 inches long and all of the panes are typically 1/32 inch thickness. These measurements can be modified for students of various different ages and physical sizes and needs. Thus, these dimensions are only used as exemplary.

The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of various implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments as disclosed, but that the invention will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A student protection screen comprising: a first pane attached to: a second pane; wherein the first pane is also attached to a third pane; and wherein the second pane is rotationally movable with respect to the first pane.
 2. The student protection screen of claim 1, wherein the first pane is also attached to the third pane further comprises: wherein the third pane is rotationally movable with respect to the first pane.
 3. The student protection screen of claim 1, wherein the first pane attached to the second pane further comprises: attachment through integral formation out of the same piece of material.
 4. The student protection screen of claim 1, wherein the first pane attached to the second pane further comprises: attachment through a separate connector attaching the first pane to the second pane.
 5. The student protection screen of claim 3, wherein the first pane attached to the third pane further comprises: attachment through integral formation out of the same piece of material.
 6. The student protection screen of claim 4, wherein the first pane attached to the third pane further comprises: attachment through a separate connector attaching the first pane to the third pane.
 7. The student protection screen of claim 1, further comprising: a bottom edge of the center pane having an attachment material attached thereto.
 8. The student protection screen of claim 1, further comprising: a bottom edge of the right pane having an attachment material attached thereto.
 9. The student protection screen of claim 1, further comprising: a bottom edge of the left pane having an attachment material attached thereto.
 10. The student protection screen of claim 2, further comprising: a connector between the first and second panes thereby attaching them together.
 11. The student protection screen of claim 10, further comprising: a connector between the first and third panes thereby attaching them together.
 12. A student protection shield comprising: a center pane connected to both a right pane and a left pane forming a U shaped pattern such that the center pane is located in the center of the U shaped pattern; and wherein the right pane rotates in relationship with a right side of the center pane; and wherein the left pane rotates in relationship with a left side of the center pane.
 13. The student protection shield of claim 12, further comprising: a first strip of flexible material attaching the right pane to the center pane; and a second strip of flexible material attaching the left pane to the center pane. 